Castle Quest for the BBC Micro
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Game description:
Castle Quest is of significant importance in the gaming history of the platform. It was noted at the time of release as being the best game on the platform in its genre for its problem solving, colourful graphics and smooth hardware scrolling. It has also been compared to Metroid.
The game is an arcade adventure set in a wizard's castle, the player's task being to find the treasure. It employs "very smooth" side-scrolling (termed 'Scrollerama') and imperfect vertical scrolling. Play includes climbing ladders, which are sufficiently wide to simplify this aspect of gameplay. Various objects can be found and used to solve problems. These include everyday items, furniture, specialist equipment and valuables. Other characters include guards, animals, a witch and the wizard.
Control is via the keyboard, with 13 keys having various uses, for example accessing the inventory of objects carried in the backpack, viewing off-screen to left/right. Play requires both dexterity and lateral thinking. A saved game facility is not provided.
Scores are awarded based on progression through the game. Upon completion, additional rewards are given for remaining lives and a bonus is awarded according to elapsed time. An expert player may complete the game in "around seven minutes".